Adjustable power and telecommunications outlet apparatus and method for furniture and wall structures

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for positioning power or telecommunications outlets in furniture and wall systems. The apparatus cooperates with a wall, partition or furniture system to repositionably support a cable suitable for transmitting telecommunications data and/or electrical power. The apparatus includes an outlet box and a conduit or channel for receiving the cable. Means for removably attaching the apparatus to the system are provided so that the apparatus can be removably attached to the system in a plurality of positions. The system may include a base and a support frame forming a plurality of mounting positions. A removable cover may fit over at least a portion of an open side of the conduit or channel for restricting access to the interior of the channel. A method for repositionably supporting a cable in a modular construction system forming a plurality of mounting locations is also disclosed.

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisionalpatent application serial No. 60/313,435 filed Aug. 17, 2001 and U.S.provisional patent application serial No. 60/373,522 filed Apr. 18,2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to power and telecommunications outlets,and more particularly to power and telecommunications outlets adaptedfor use in walls, partitions, and furniture of modular construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous walls, partitions and furniture items are provided with powerand telecommunications outlets. In the case of wall systems, the demandfor power and telecommunications outlets that can be quickly and easilyinstalled is significant (regardless of whether the walls are interioror exterior or are load bearing or non-load bearing). In the case ofpartitions and furniture, similar demand exists in order to reducemanufacturing and assembly time and to reduce the cost of the partitionsand furniture.

Nevertheless, few existing outlet designs offer the versatility desiredby consumers. For example, a large amount of home and office furniture,school and lab equipment, and partition and wall systems are moremodular and portable in design. With increasing modularity, the routingand installation of power and telecommunications lines within suchfurniture, equipment, and partition and wall systems represents anever-increasing burden for assemblers, installers, and users.

Typically, power and telecommunications outlets for shelving and displayassemblies, home and office furniture, school and lab equipment, andpartition and wall systems (hereinafter collectively referred to as“furniture and wall systems”) are not readily positionable in differentlocations to accommodate different arrangements of the furniture andwalls. Most existing power and telecommunications outlets are rigidlyattached to particular locations on the furniture and walls, and cannotbe moved from their attached positions.

In many furniture and wall systems, power and telecommunications outletsare permanently mounted to the furniture or wall or to a frame thereof.In other furniture and wall systems, each power or telecommunicationsoutlet is removably attached to one location or can be attached(removably or otherwise) to only a small number of locations on thefurniture or wall. Depending upon the setup and arrangement of thefurniture and/or walls, this lack of versatility can present a problemfor users who desire to plug devices into the outlets. Unless thedevices are near the power and telecommunications outlets, one or morewires, extension cords, cables, phone cords, or other power andtelecommunications lines (referred to herein collectively as “power andtelecommunications extension lines”) are needed to connect the devicesto the outlets. In some cases, the distances spanned by the power andtelecommunications extension lines are fairly large, causing potentialtripping or snagging hazards and resulting in an unsightly work orliving area.

Some furniture and wall systems having power and telecommunicationsoutlets do permit limited adjustability of the outlets. However, thisadjustability is typically poorly-suited for many arrangements of thewalls, furniture, and for the components and accessories intended foruse with the walls and furniture systems. Despite the fact that theoutlets can be placed in different positions, the resulting outletlocations are often still awkward relative to the components,accessories, and devices used with the furniture and wall systems.

For example, a modular shelving unit typically includes a plurality ofshelves that can be positioned in many different arrangements. Themodular shelving unit can support devices that need to be plugged intothe power and telecommunications outlets. However, the high degree ofadjustability permitted by many modular shelving units is not matched bythe relatively small number of power and telecommunications outletpositions. Therefore, power and telecommunications extension lines areneeded or devices supported by the shelving units must be re-positioned(thereby limiting the range of uses for the shelving systems).

Furniture and wall system designs are typically limited by a number ofother considerations, including without limitation the overall cost ofthe systems, space constraints, and ease of manufacture and assembly. Afurniture or wall system with more versatile power andtelecommunications outlets preferably would not be significantly moreexpensive to manufacture and assemble, would not limit modularity andportability of the system (if these features are desired), and would notconsume significant space.

There is also a need to expedite full inspection of power routings.These full inspections are required under some municipal building codes.A modular power outlet, which can be quickly and easily disassembled andreassembled, is desirable so that a full power routing inspection ispractical at any time. The inspector may visit the building site.

In light of the problems and limitations described above, a need existsfor power and telecommunications outlets in furniture and wall systemsthat can be placed in a wide range of positions for increasedaccessibility and connectivity, are readily adaptable to differentfurniture or wall arrangements without sacrificing system modularity andportability (if such features are desired), do not significantly add tosystem size or complexity, and are relatively inexpensive to manufactureand assemble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for positioningpower or telecommunications outlets in furniture and wall systems. Theapparatus cooperates with a modular construction system, for example, torepositionably support a cable suitable for transmittingtelecommunications data or electrical power. The apparatus includes achannel that is sized for receiving the cable. An outlet box is mountedon the channel. Means for removably attaching the apparatus to themodular construction system are provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus can beremovably attached to the modular construction system in a plurality ofpositions, one of the positions being laterally displaced and/orinverted with respect to another of the positions. In another preferredembodiment, the modular construction system includes a base and asupport frame that forms a plurality of mounting positions and isconnected to the base.

In still another preferred embodiment, the invention is a modularconduit for use with a modular construction system forming mountinglocations to repositionably support a cable suitable for transmitting atleast one of telecommunications data and electrical power. The modularconduit includes an elongated channel that has two ends and asubstantially open side for providing access to the interior of thechannel, and is sized for receiving a cable suitable for transmitting atleast one of telecommunication data and electrical power. A removablecover fits over at least a portion of the open side for restrictingaccess to the interior of the channel. An outlet box is mounted on thechannel. The modular conduit is removably attached to the mountinglocations so that the modular conduit and the modular constructionsystem cooperatively and repositionably support the cable.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a work stationincluding a repositionable power outlet and/or data connection port. Thework station includes a base and a support frame forming a plurality ofmounting positions. The support frame is connected to the base. The workstation also includes a modular conduit that is repositionablyattachable to the support frame at the mounting positions. The modularconduit includes a conduit or channel, an outlet and a cable suitablefor transmitting at least one of telecommunications data and electricalpower.

The invention is also a method for repositionably supporting a cable ina modular construction system forming a plurality of mounting locations.The method includes providing a modular construction system forming aplurality of mounting locations, and removably attaching an elongatedchannel to the system at one of the mounting locations. The channel hastwo ends and a substantially open side for providing access to theinterior of the channel. An outlet box is mounted on the channel. Theinterior of the outlet box may communicate with the interior of thechannel. A cable suitable for transmitting at least one oftelecommunication data and electrical power is positioned within theinterior of the channel. An outlet box is electrically connected to thecable. The outlet box is suitable for transmitting at least one oftelecommunication data and electrical power.

Although the present invention can be applied to any shelving anddisplay assembly, home and office furniture, school and lab equipment,and partition and wall system as mentioned above, the followingdescription and accompanying drawings are with reference to shelvingassemblies by way of example only. Also, the present invention can beemployed in any wall system, but can be used with particular advantagein interior wall systems and in wall systems that are modular in nature.

The shelving assembly described below and illustrated in the figures ismodular, and has shelves that can be adjusted to multiple positions. Thepresent invention can be employed with other types of shelving units asdesired. Also, the following description and accompanying drawings arewith reference to power apparatus according to the present invention,and are presented by way of example only. The present invention findsapplication with respect to any type of power and telecommunicationsoutlet.

Regardless of the manner in which the apparatus can be employed toposition outlets in desired locations (i.e., whether mountable on thesupport frame in different manners and/or whether the outlet can bereleasably secured in different locations along the channel), theapparatus in some embodiments of the present invention can be mounted inmultiple locations on the support frame. By way of example, avertically-oriented apparatus can be releasably secured in multiplehorizontal positions on the support frame, or a horizontally-orientedapparatus can be releasably secured in multiple vertical positions onthe support frame. In some embodiments, the outlet of the apparatus isnot adjustable along the channel and the apparatus can be mounted inonly one orientation on the support frame. However, even in suchembodiments, the ability to mount the apparatus to different positions(e.g., vertical or horizontal) on the support frame provides significantadvantages over existing apparatus designs.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon review of the following detaileddescription, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosedin the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. Thevarious elements and combinations of elements described below andillustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently toresult in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partially-assembled modular shelvingunit and apparatus or modular conduit according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the modular shelving unit andapparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partially-assembled work station andapparatus or modular conduit according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of an apparatus illustratedin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of an apparatus illustratedin FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4;and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a partially assembled modularconstruction system and apparatus or modular conduit according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described in terms of its application to amodular shelving system having selectively positionable shelves.However, as described above, the present invention is applicable to anyshelving and display assemblies, home and office furniture, school andlab equipment, and partition and interior wall systems provided withpower or telecommunications outlets. The modular shelving application ispresented herein by way of example only.

FIG. 1 illustrates a modular shelving unit 20 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The shelving unit 20 preferablyincludes a horizontal base 24, a vertical support frame 28, a pluralityof shelves 32 (only one being shown in FIG. 1) and at least oneapparatus or modular conduit 36 for repositionably supporting a cable.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the base 24 preferably includes side channels40 that extend horizontally with respect to a ground surface 44.Kickboards 48 can be mounted to the ends of the side channels 40 ifdesired.

The support frame 28 is preferably mounted to the side channels 40 ofthe base 24 and preferably extends generally vertically upward from theground surface 44. Although the support frame 28 can take a number ofdifferent forms, the support frame 28 in the illustrated preferredembodiment includes a pair of uprights 52, an upper stretcher 56, and alower stretcher 60. The uprights 52 preferably include a plurality ofmounting apertures 64 for selectively mounting the shelves 32 to thesupport frame 28 (described in more detail below). The upper and lowerstretchers 56, 60 preferably extend generally parallel to the groundsurface 44, but can connect the uprights 52 at any other orientationdesired. The upper and lower stretchers 56, 60 extend between and aremounted to the uprights 52. The upper and lower stretchers 56, 60preferably include a plurality of upper apertures 68 and a plurality oflower apertures 72, respectively, for selectively mounting the apparatus36 to the support frame 28 (described in greater detail below).

The support frame 28 also preferably includes a plurality of supportarms 76 (one shown) extending from the support frame 28 preferably in adirection parallel to the base 24. The support arms 76 are preferablyselectively mountable in a plurality of positions on the support frame28. The support arms 76 provide support to the selectively positionableshelves 32 by being positioned underneath the shelves 32, with theshelves 32 resting on the support arms 76.

The support frame 28 can further include one or more secondary uprights80 connecting the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60. In some preferredembodiments, the secondary uprights 80 can be connected to the upper andlower stretchers 56, 60 in two or more locations in a number ofdifferent manners such as those described below with reference to thechannels 132 of the apparatus 36.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the secondary upright 80 hasone end selectively mounted to the upper stretcher 56 and another endselectively mounted to the lower stretcher 60. The secondary upright 80is preferably mounted to the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60 bybrackets (not shown) similar to brackets used for mounting the apparatusor modular conduit 36 to the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60(discussed in greater detail below). Although the secondary upright 80can be connected to the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60 at any angle,the secondary upright 80 is preferably mounted generally perpendicularto the ground surface 44 and more preferably can be selectivelypositioned along the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60 in a plurality ofpositions such that the secondary upright 80 maintains a generallyperpendicular alignment with respect to the ground surface 44. In someembodiments, the secondary upright 80 is adapted to support one or moreshelves 32 (see FIG. 1) via one or more support arms 76. Depending uponthe spacing of the uprights and the dimensions of the shelves 32, eachshelf 32 can be supported by any combination of uprights 52 andsecondary uprights 80.

The shelves 32 in the modular shelving unit 20 can be in a plurality ofdifferent sizes and can be selectively mounted to the support frame 28in a plurality of positions. In some embodiments for example, largeshelves 92 can be located in a range of vertical positions extendingfrom the tops of the uprights 52 to the base 24, while smaller shelves32 can be located in a range of positions along the secondary uprights80. Other components and elements or various combinations thereof cansimilarly be mounted at various different locations along the uprights52 and secondary uprights 80 (where secondary uprights 80 are employed).Such components and elements include, for example, countertops, cases,hanger racks, baskets, walls, partitions, and the like. Hereinafter, allsuch components and elements are referred to collectively as “shelves.”

Apparatus 36 can be removably attached to uprights 52, 80 in essentiallythe same manner as the stretchers 56, 60. Additionally, apparatus 36 canbe removably attached to stretchers 56, 60 in essentially the samemanner as uprights 52, 80. In either case, apparatus 36 lies inapproximately the same plane as uprights 52, 80 or stretchers 56, 60.Shelves, such as shelf 32, can be mounted on support frame 28 withoutbeing obstructed by apparatus 36. The shelves fit over apparatus 36without interference, because apparatus 36 is mounted so that it liesbehind the shelves. Apparatus 36 can be repositioned to many locationsbecause it does not interfere with the placement of the shelves.

The connections between the uprights 52 and the stretchers 56, 60,between the stretchers 56, 60 and the secondary uprights 80, and betweenthe shelves or other components and the uprights 52 or secondaryuprights 80 can be made in a number of different manners well-known tothose skilled in the art. Any or all of these connections can bepermanent or releasable as desired. Also, any or all of theseconnections can be adjustable or non-adjustable.

With reference to the connections between the stretchers 56, 60 and theuprights 52, these connections are preferably in the form of headedposts or pins (not shown) extending from the ends of the stretchers 56,60 for releasable engagement with brackets (also not shown) on theuprights 52. Other types of connections include without limitation pinsor posts on the stretchers 56, 60 releasably engagable within aperturesin the uprights 52, hooks on the stretchers 56, 60 or uprights 52releasably engagable with hooks, pins, brackets, or apertures on theuprights 52 or stretchers 56, 60, respectively, inter-engaging clips onthe uprights 52 and stretchers 56, 60, and the like. In otherembodiments, the ends of the stretchers 56, 60 can be received withinapertures in the uprights 52 and can be secured therein by one or moreconventional fasteners (e.g., pins, posts, bolts, screws, and the like)passed through aligned or substantially aligned apertures in thestretchers 56, 60 and uprights 52. Alternatively, the stretchers 56, 60can be connected in other manners to the uprights by one or moreconventional releasable fasteners, such as clamps, bolts, or screws. Onehaving ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still othermanners of releasably connecting the stretchers 56, 60 to the uprights52 are possible, each one of which falls within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

In those embodiments in which the stretchers 56, 60 are adjustablyconnected to the uprights 52, the uprights 52 preferably have multiplefasteners or fastening locations for permitting such adjustment. Forexample, fasteners on the stretchers 56, 60 can be received within,inter-engage with, or otherwise connect to selected apertures orfasteners located along at least part of the length of the uprights 52.Therefore, the stretchers 56, 60 can be secured to the uprights 52 inmultiple positions along at least part of the length of the uprights 52,and more preferably can be secured to the uprights 52 in a range ofpositions along the uprights 52. Any number of stretchers 56, 60 can beconnected between uprights 52 as desired.

As described above, shelves 32, 92 and/or other components andassemblies can be connected to the uprights 52 and secondary uprights 80(if employed). In the illustrated preferred embodiment, shelves 32, 92are connected to the uprights 52 and secondary uprights 80 by supportarms 76. These support arms 76 preferably have one or more hooks (notshown) that are received within apertures 64, 88 in the uprights 52 andsecondary upright 80. Although not required, the uprights 52 andsecondary upright 80 can be provided with multiple apertures atdifferent positions along their lengths, enabling the connection of thesupport arms 76 or other components at different locations on theuprights 52 and secondary upright 80. Most preferably, the uprights 52and secondary upright 80 are provided with a series of such apertures64, 88 along their lengths. In this manner, the support arms 76 can beconnected at multiple locations (and more preferably in a range oflocations) to the uprights 52 and secondary upright 80. In alternativeembodiments, the shelves 32, 92 have hooks that can be received withinthe apertures 64, 88, thereby eliminating the need for separate supportarms 76.

In one embodiment employing hook-and-aperture type connections as justdescribed, the hooks have a first portion that extends rearwardly awayfrom the rear of the shelves 32. Each of the hooks also have a secondportion that is curved downward toward the ground surface 44. Once thehooks are inserted into the apertures 64 of the uprights 52 and theapertures 88 of the secondary upright 80, the hooks preferably hold theshelves 32 in positions parallel or substantially parallel to the groundsurface 44.

In another embodiment, an alternate hook configuration can be employedto connect the shelves 32, 92 to the uprights 52, 80. In thisalternative configuration, the hooks (not shown) have a first portionextending rearwardly away from the rear of the shelves 32. At least oneof the hooks also has a second portion that is curved upward away fromthe ground surface 44. Once the upwardly-extending hooks are insertedinto the apertures 64 of the uprights 52 and the apertures 88 of thesecondary uprights 80, these hooks and one or more downwardly-extendinghooks hold the shelves 32 in positions parallel to or substantiallyparallel to the ground surface 44.

Hook and aperture connections between the support arms 76 or shelves 32,92 and the uprights 52, 80 are preferred. However, any other releasableconnection can instead be employed, including any of the other types ofconnection described above with reference to the connections between thestretchers 56, 60 and the uprights 52.

For example, the shelves 32 can be selectively mountable to the supportframe 28 by conventional fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and pins.Such fasteners can preferably be removed such that the shelves 32 can beselectively positioned and remounted in one or more other desiredlocations.

The embodiments described above represent only a few of thepossibilities for mounting the shelves 32 to the support frame 28(either releasably or permanently, and either adjustably ornon-adjustably). The prior embodiments are not intended to be limiting,but only to provide examples of mounting arrangements. Any otherconventional manner for fastening shelves 32 to the support frame 28 caninstead be used, and still falls within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 36 of the presentinvention preferably includes an outlet housing or box 124, one or moreelectrical 30 outlets 128 (and more preferably a plurality of electricaloutlets 128), a conduit or channel 132, and one or more electrical lines136. The electrical lines 136 can take a number of different forms, suchas insulated wire, flex conduit as shown in the figures, cable, and thelike. In some highly preferred embodiments, the apparatus 36 furtherincludes one or more brackets (such as an upper bracket 144 and a lowerbracket 148) or other fasteners for connecting the apparatus 36 to thesupport frame 28. These and other preferred embodiments can include anelectrical fastener connected to the electrical lines 136.

The outlet housing or box 124 preferably includes a plurality ofapertures 152 located in a front surface 156 of the outlet housing 124.Preferably, these apertures 152 are shaped and sized to receive theelectrical outlets 128. The electrical outlets 128 are preferablyconventional electrical outlets known to those skilled in the art. Inthe illustrated preferred embodiment, the outlet housing 124 has fourapertures 152. However, any number of apertures 152 can be included inthe outlet housing 124 to correspond to any number of desired electricaloutlets 128 for the apparatus 36. It should also be noted that theapertures 152 could also or instead be located in any other portion inthe outlet housing 124.

The outlet housing 124 preferably functions as a housing for containingthe connections between the electrical outlet(s) 128 and the electricallines 136. The outlet housing 124 can be any shape and size desired, andcan enclose any number of electrical outlets 128 desired (subject toelectrical code requirements).

The outlet housing 124 preferably includes a wiring aperture 160 locatedin a back surface 164 of the outlet housing 124 through which theelectrical lines 136 run to the electrical outlets 128. Alternatively,the wiring aperture 160 can be located in any other surface of theoutlet housing 124. As described above, the electrical outlets 128 arepreferably mounted within and supported by the outlet housing 124. Theelectrical outlets 128 can be of any type desired. Alternatively, theoutlets 128 can be telecommunication outlets for connection to co-axialcable, telephone lines, and the like.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the present invention, theoutlet housing 124 includes a plate 168 extending laterally away fromthe outlet housing 124. The plate 168 preferably includes an aperture172 through which a thumb screw 176 is passed. The thumb screw 176 canbe tightened to secure the apparatus 36 to a desired position on thesupport frame 28 as will be described in greater detail below.

The outlet housing 124 is connected to the conduit or channel 132 in anyconventional manner. In the illustrated preferred embodiment forexample, the outlet housing 124 is permanently connected to the channel132 by one or more welds. Other manners of permanently and releasablyconnecting the outlet housing 124 to the channel 132 include brazing,clamping, fastening by one or more conventional fasteners such asrivets, bolts, screws, and the like.

The conduit or channel 132 can take any cross-sectional shape desired,and in the illustrated preferred embodiment has a U-shaped cross-sectionwith an outside surface 184 and an inside surface 188 defining aninternal cavity 192. In some preferred embodiments, the back surface 164of the outlet housing 124 is supported on the outside surface 184 of thechannel 132, while the electrical lines 136 extend through the cavity192 and along the inside surface 188 of the channel 132. One end of theelectrical lines 136 can be bent 90° prior to passing into the wiringaperture 160 of the outlet housing 124. Alternatively, the electricallines 136 can pass into the outlet housing 124 via a 90° angle wiringconduit 196 connected to the outlet housing 124 and/or to the channel132 in any conventional manner.

In alternative embodiments, the outlet housing 124 is connected to thechannel 132 so that the electrical lines 136 approach a side of theoutlet housing 124, thereby entering a wiring aperture 160 in the sideof the outlet housing 124. Depending at least in part upon the manner ofconnection of the outlet housing 124 to the channel 132, the electricallines 136 can therefore enter directly into the outlet housing 124without being bent, or can bend at any angle in order to enter through aside of the outlet housing 124.

The other ends of the electrical lines 136 are preferably connected tothe electrical connector 140. The electrical connector 140 preferablydirectly or indirectly connects the apparatus 36 to a power source 200supplying electrical power to the apparatus 36. Any conventionalelectrical connector can be used to connect the apparatus 36 to theoutside power source 200. If desired, the electric lines 136 can beretained within the cavity 192 of the channel 132 by one or moreflanges, bendable tabs, clips, bands, or in any other conventionalmanner. Preferably, at least one of the upper and lower brackets 144,148 (described below) help to perform this function by at leastpartially closing the cavity 192.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, upper and lower brackets 144, 148 arepreferably connected to the channel 132 in any conventional manner, suchas by being stamped, bent, or otherwise formed therefrom, by beingwelded or brazed thereto, by being fastened thereto by one or moreconventional fasteners such as rivets, screws, bolts, and the like. Insome preferred embodiments, the brackets 144, 148 at least partiallyencircle the channel 132 and assist in retaining the electrical lines136 within the cavity 192. In one highly preferred embodiment, the upperand lower brackets 144, 148 each include one or more clips 204protruding away from the channel 132 and curving downward toward theground surface 44. The clips 204 are used for selectively mounting theapparatus 36 to the support frame 28 as will be described in greaterdetail below.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper and lowerbrackets 144, 148 are mounted to the channel 132 by snapping thebrackets 144, 148 thereto. In such embodiments, the channel 132 can havea number of recesses in spaced relation along the length of the channel132. These recesses can be defined by a plurality of lips along thechannel 132, by a series of apertures along the channel 132, and thelike. The brackets 144, 148 can have resilient arms or fingers that canbe snapped into desired positions on the channel by engagement withinany of the recesses on the channel 132. To assist in this engagement,the resilient arms or fingers can have one or more protrusions that arereceived within recesses on the channel 132.

Each bracket 144, 148 can have two or more such resilient arms orfingers. The resilient arms or fingers can extend from the clips 204 ofthe brackets 144, 148 to positions flanking the channel 132. Forexample, the resilient arms or fingers can form a U-shape, a generallycircular or are shape, or any other shape providing a space for thechannel 132. In some embodiments of the present invention employing suchbrackets, the protrusions on the resilient arms or fingers can extendinto the recesses between the lips on the channel 132 as the brackets144, 148 are mounted to the channel 132. The resilient arms or fingerscan be spaced from one another a distance that is slightly narrower thanthe channel 132 so that the resilient arms or fingers must expand inorder to receive the channel 132, after which time the resilient arms orfingers contract to enter the channel recesses.

As mentioned above, the clips 204 are preferably employed forselectively mounting the apparatus 36 to the support frame 28.Specifically, the clips 204 on the upper and lower brackets 144, 148 canbe selectively inserted into the apertures 68, 72 of the upper and lowerstretchers 56, 60, respectively. The clips 204 can extend in anydirection suitable for engagement with the upper and lower stretchers56, 60 or other structure of the support frame 28. For example, in theembodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the clips204 extend in a downward direction for insertion into theupwardly-facing apertures 68, 72 of the upper and lower stretchers 56,60. As another example, the clips 504 in the embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 (described below) extend in oppositedirections (away from one another) for insertion into facing apertures68, 72 of the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60. The clips 204, 504 canextend in any other manner suitable for insertion into apertures 68, 72oriented in any other manner in the support frame 28. Similarly, theelements and structure described herein that can be employed asalternatives to the clips 204, 504 and the brackets 144, 148 can also beoriented in any manner suitable for connection of the apparatus 36 tothe upper and lower stretchers 56, 60 or to other elements of thesupport frame 28.

The selectively insertable clips 204 allow the apparatus 36 to bemounted in a number (and most preferably in a range) of lateralpositions along the stretchers 56, 60. Preferably, the apparatus 36 aresubstantially upright in each such position, although other apparatusorientations are possible. In the illustrated preferred embodiment,upper and lower brackets 144, 148 are shown on the channel 132. However,the channel 132 can be provided with any number of brackets forconnection to any number of stretchers in order to perform the samefunctions just described.

Brackets 144, 148 as shown in the accompanying figures are preferred forconnecting the channel 132 to one or more stretchers 56, 60. In thoseembodiments of the present invention permitting lateral adjustability ofthe channel 132 and outlets 128, the brackets 144, 148 are alsopreferred for enabling this adjustability. However, one having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that a number of other elements canalso or instead be employed for performing either or both functions. Forexample, one or more hooks can be connected to the channels 132 forselective engagement with apertures or hooks on the stretchers 56, 60.As another example, one or more pins, posts, fingers, dowels, hooks, orother elongated elements can extend from the channel 132 into aperturesin the stretchers 56, 60. Such elements need not necessarily engage withapertures (or other fasteners) on the top surfaces of the stretchers 56,60 as shown in the figures. Instead, these elements can extend intoengagement with apertures or other elements on the sides of thestretchers 56, 60. In yet another embodiment, headed posts extendingrearwardly from the channel 132 can be received within bracketsconnected to the stretchers 56, 60. Still other manners of connectingthe channel 132 to the stretchers (preferably in a number of differentpositions thereon) are possible, some of which are described above withreference to the manners in which the shelves 32, 92, support arms 76,and stretchers 56, 60 can be connected to the uprights 52, 80. Each ofthese manners of connection falls within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. As also described above, the ability to attach thechannels 132 to a number of different lateral locations on the supportframe 28 provides the user with significantly increased versatility inpositioning the outlets 128.

In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 36are not rigidly secured to the support frame 28 after being positionedthereon. By way of example only, the apparatus 36 of the illustratedpreferred embodiment are retained in place on the support frame 28 byclips 204 of the brackets 144, 148 received within apertures 68, 72 ofthe stretchers 56, 60. Although not required to practice the presentinvention, in these embodiments one or more fasteners are preferablytightened after placing the apparatus 36 in their desired positions inorder to secure the apparatus 36 to the support frame 28. In theillustrated preferred embodiment, the fastener is the thumbscrew 176.The thumbscrew 176 can be tightened against a surface of a stretcher 56,60, but more preferably is received within an aperture in the stretcher56, 60. More preferably, a series of such apertures 244, 248 areprovided in each stretcher 56, 60, each of which are positioned toreceive the thumbscrews 176 of the apparatus 36 when the apparatus arepositioned as desired on the support frame 28.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment of the present invention, theupper and lower stretchers 56, 60 of the support frame 28 preferablyinclude a plurality of laterally aligned upper threaded apertures 244and a plurality of laterally aligned lower threaded apertures 248,respectively, into which thumbscrews 176 can be threaded. As mentionedabove, the threaded apertures 244, 248 are preferably positioned suchthat they are aligned or are substantially aligned with thumbscrews 176of the apparatus 36 when the apparatus 36 are selectively mounted at anyof the plurality of lateral positions along the upper and lowerstretchers 56, 60. As described in greater detail below, the outlethousing 124 in the illustrated preferred embodiment can be selectivelymounted in an upper position in which the thumbscrew 176 is threadedinto one of the upper threaded apertures 244 along the upper stretcher56, and a lower position in which the thumbscrew 176 is threaded intoone of the lower threaded apertures 248 along the lower stretcher 60.

It will be appreciated that a number of different types of fasteners canbe employed to secure the apparatus 36 with respect to the support frame28 after they have been positioned thereon. Such alternative fastenersinclude bolts, setscrews, and other threaded fasteners, pins, rods, andthe like. Furthermore, each apparatus 36 can be secured with any numberof fasteners. In some embodiments of the present invention, suchfasteners are not required because the element or elements used toconnect the apparatus 36 to the stretchers 56, 60 (described above) alsosecure the apparatus 36 with respect to the stretchers 56, 60.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus 36 are fastened with thumbscrews 176 passed through a plate168 extending from the outlet housing 124. One having ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that the thumbscrews 176 (or other fastenersemployed as described above) need not necessarily pass through a plate168 as described, but can instead pass through any part of the outlethousing 124 or channel 132, through any other extension, flange, or bosson the outlet housing 124 or channel 132, and the like.

Significant advantages are obtained by employing apparatus 36 that canbe placed in different lateral positions as described above, enabling anassembler to attach outlets 128 in different lateral positions withrespect to the support frame 28. In some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the outlets 128 can also or instead be attached indifferent vertical positions with respect to the support frame 28 aswill now be described.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 36 can be attached tothe support frame as described above in a right-side up or upside downmanner. In those embodiments in which brackets 144, 148 are employed tomount the apparatus 36 to the support frame 28, multiple sets ofbrackets 144, 148 having upwardly and downwardly-extending clips can beused. Therefore, an apparatus 36 can be turned upside down (with theelectrical lines 136 passed through an opposite end of the channel 132)and can be attached to the support frame 28 as described above. Thisfeature enables the user to quickly position the apparatus 36 on thesupport frame 28 at two different heights. When used in conjunction withthe lateral adjustability of the apparatus as described above, greaterversatility is possible.

For even greater adjustability of the outlets 128 on the support frame28, some preferred embodiments of the present invention provide theability to position the outlet housing 124 of the apparatus 36 atdifferent locations on the channel 132. Such adjustability can belimited to two or more discreet positions or can be as many positions asdesired (even an infinite range of positions).

In one embodiment, the outlet housing 124 is slidably attached to thechannel 132 and can be slid to a number of different positions on thechannel 132. To this end, the outlet housing 124 and channel 132 canhave complimentary shapes, such as by recessing the channel 132 within asimilarly shaped groove in the outlet housing 124 or by passing thechannel 132 through apertures in opposite ends of the outlet housing124. In such embodiments, the outlet housing 124 can be secured indesired positions with respect to the channel 132 in a number ofdifferent manners. For example, apertures in the outlet housing 124 andchannel 132 can be aligned by the user for passing pins, threadedfasteners, or other elements therethrough. As another example, aspring-loaded pin, bearing, or other element can be biased toward thechannel 132 to engage in apertures, recesses, grooves, or other matingfeatures spaced along the channel 132. Alternatively, one or more clampsor clips connected to the outlet housing 124 can engage the channel 132at a number of different positions. In still other embodiments, theoutlet housing 124 can be moved to two or more positions along thechannel 132 and can be releasably secured thereto by one or moreconventional releasable fasteners such as screws, bolts, and otherthreaded fasteners, dowels or pins, and the like.

As a further example, the outlet housing 124 can be mounted to thechannel 132 via a track and groove arrangement in which one or moreresilient or spring-biased fingers or other protrusions on the outlethousing 124 extend into engagement with a plurality of grooves,apertures, detents, or other recesses in the channel 132. Specifically,the fingers or other protrusions can engage within such recesses withsufficient force to secure the outlet housing in place upon the channel132, but can permit an assembler to force the outlet housing 124 todifferent positions along the channel 132 as desired.

In another embodiment, the channel 132 can be provided with a flangeextending laterally away from the channel 132 and along a lengththereof. The flange can be provided with a plurality of apertures intowhich a fastener (such as the thumbscrew 176) can extend from the outlethousing 124. The outlet housing 124 can thereby be selectively mountedat different locations along the channel 132 by sliding or otherwisemoving the outlet housing 124 to a desired position along the channel132, aligning the fastener of the outlet housing 124 with the nearestaperture in the flange, and then inserting the fastener through thataperture.

In yet another embodiment, the support frame 28 can include a backboardlocated between the upper and lower stretchers 56, 60 and extending somedistance between the uprights 52. The backboard could have a pluralityof apertures therein that are aligned in a plurality of rows such thatwhen an apparatus 36 is selectively mounted in any one of a plurality oflateral positions along the support frame 28 as described above, one ormore fasteners of the outlet housing 124 is aligned with one or moreapertures in the backboard. The outlet housing 124 can therefore beselectively mounted along the channel 132 by positioning the outlethousing 124 in a desirable position along the channel 132, aligning oneor more fasteners of the outlet housing 124 with one or more of thenearest apertures in the backboard, and then inserting the fastenersthrough the backboard apertures.

Other embodiments of the present invention can employ one or moreresilient fingers attached to the outlet housing 124 and extending atleast partially around the channel 132. Such fingers can engage withlips, recesses, apertures, or other features on the channel 132 so thatthe fingers (and connected outlet housing 124) can releasably connect tothe channel 132 at different locations along the channel 132. In someembodiments, these fingers can function in a similar manner to theresilient arms or fingers of the brackets 144, 148 described above.

The embodiments described above for selectively positioning the outlethousing 124 and outlets 128 in different longitudinal positions alongthe channel 132 are provided by way of example only and are not intendedto be limiting. Any fastener and fastening manner for selectivelypositioning and retaining the outlet housing 124 and outlets 128 thereinin a position along the channel 132 can instead be used and fall withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

In those embodiments where the outlet housing 124 and outlets 128 can bepositioned in two or more locations along the channel 132 as describedabove, the channel 132 is preferably shaped to permit the electric lines136 to pass to the outlet housing 124 and outlets 128 in the differentchannel locations. By way of example only, the aperture 160 in thechannel 132 through which the electric lines 136 pass to the outlethousing 124 and outlets 128 can be elongated in shape to permit theelectric lines to exit the channel 132 at a range of locations along thechannel 132.

Alternatively, the electric lines 136 can pass from the side of thechannel 132 to a rear or side portion of the outlet housing 124. Otherchannel shapes and manners of passing the electric lines 136 from thechannel 132 to the outlet housing 124 and outlets 128 are possible andwould be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.

The principles of the present invention can be applied to any furnitureand wall system to which the channel 132 of the apparatus 36 can beconnected. Most preferably, the apparatus 36 can be connected to two ormore positions on the furniture and wall system and has an outlethousing 124 that can be positioned in two or more locations on thechannel 132. However, either type of adjustability (described in greaterdetail above) can be employed without the other to practice the presentinvention. In the shelving unit of the illustrated preferred embodiment,the apparatus 36 is connected to a support frame 28. In otherapplications, the apparatus 36 can be connected to any location on afurniture or wall system. The term “support frame” as used hereintherefore refers to any part of the furniture or wall system to whichthe apparatus 36 can be connected (adjustably as described above orotherwise).

The support frame 28 to which the apparatus 36 of the illustratedpreferred embodiment is attached is substantially vertical. However, itshould be noted that in other applications the apparatus 36 can beattached in any other orientation desired (i.e., horizontalapplications, diagonal applications, and the like).

As described above, the apparatus 36 in some preferred embodiments canbe attached to the support frame 28 in two or more horizontally-disposedlocations. It should be noted that the apparatus 36 can instead beattached to the support frame 28 in two or more positions that arelocated in any other direction with respect to one another, such asvertically or diagonally with respect to one another. The differentpossible positions of the apparatus 36 on the support frame 28 isdependent at least in part upon the orientation of the support frame 28(e.g., the orientation of stretchers 56, 60 or like elements, etc.).

The outlet housings 124 of the apparatus 36 in some preferredembodiments can be positioned in two or more longitudinal locationsalong the channels 132. Because the channels 132 can be attached todifferent support frames in any orientation (e.g., vertically,horizontally, diagonally, and the like) as just described, the outlethousings 124 can instead be positioned in two or more horizontal,diagonal, or other relative locations along the channels 132.

By way of example only, the channels 132 and stretchers 56, 60 in theillustrated preferred embodiment can be at an orientation that is 90degrees from the orientation in FIGS. 1-3 while still functioning andproviding the same benefits as described above.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 4-7. This embodiment shares many of the same elements, structure,and features as that described above with regard to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Accordingly, elements,structure, and features of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-7corresponding to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 are numberedin the 300-500 series while retaining the same last two digits. Exceptas expressly described in the following description, reference is herebymade to the earlier description of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 forinformation regarding such corresponding elements, structure, andfeatures in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7.

The apparatus or modular conduits 336 illustrated in FIGS. 4-7preferably have conduits or channels 432 permanently connected to outlethousings or boxes 434 by welds or in any other manner described abovewith reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The channels432 are preferably U-shaped as best shown in FIGS. 5-7, although anyother channel or conduit shape having an interior sized to receive acable as described herein can instead be used as desired.

Each channel 432 in the illustrated preferred embodiment is preferablydefined by multiple elements as shown in FIGS. 5-7. More specifically,the channel 432 preferably has multiple pieces that are attached in anymanner to at least partially enclose the electric line(s) 436 within thechannel 432. With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the channel 432preferably has a front portion 433 and a cover or rear portion 435connected together by screws 437. In some highly preferred embodiments,the front and rear portions 433, 435 enclose the electric line(s) 436along the length of the front and rear portions 433, 435. In otherembodiments however, the front and rear portions 433, 435 only partiallyenclose the electric line(s) 436 along this length.

As mentioned above, the front and rear portions 433, 435 of the channel432 are preferably attached in any conventional manner. For example, thefront and rear portions 433, 435 can be permanently attached to eachother by welds, brazing, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, bolts,screws, and other threaded fasteners, rivets, pins, posts, clips,clamps, buckles, and other conventional fasteners, front and rearportions 433, 435 can also be releasably attached to each other byinter-engaging features on the front and rear portions 433, 435 thatprovide a mating or snap fit for the front and cover or rear portions433, 435, and the like. However, screws 437 are preferred in someembodiments (such as that shown in FIGS. 3-7) in order to provide asimple and inexpensive channel and apparatus design.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, screws 437 or other fastenersare preferably passed through aligned apertures in flanges on the frontand rear portions 433, 435 of the channel 432 in order to connect thefront and rear portions 433, 435 together. However, one having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that other portions of the channel 432can be employed to attach the separate elements of the channel together,determined at least in part by the shape of the portions beingconnected. Apertured flanges therefore represent only one example ofsuch connectivity.

The use of two or more elements to assemble the channel 432 provides anumber of advantages, including the ability to remove one or moreelements to gain access to the interior of the channel 432 and electriclines 436 therein, increased convenience in running the electric lines436, and more options for easy installation of the apparatus 336. Mostpreferably, the front and rear portions 433, 435 are disconnectable fromone another in order to provide such advantages. Accordingly, the frontand rear portions 433, 435 are preferably connected together usingreleasable fasteners or fastening elements.

By employing a channel or conduit 432 constructed of multiple elementsas described above, an installer has more options regarding the mannerin which the apparatus 336 is installed. By way of example only, theinstaller can assemble the apparatus 336 with electric line(s) 436therein and can then install the assembled apparatus 336 on the supportframe 328, or the installer can install the cover or rear portion 435 ofthe apparatus 336 on the support frame 328, route electric lines 336therethrough, and then cover the electric lines 336 with the frontportion 433.

Removable front and rear portions 433, 435 provide the ability to accessthe interior of the channel 432 and electric lines 436 therein withoutrequiring the complete removal or disassembly of the apparatus 336 fromthe support frame 328. In many cases, an apparatus 336 cannot be removedwithout removing or at least partially disassembling other elements ofthe support frame 328 and/or elements and structure connected thereto.For example, one or more wall panels connected to the support frame 328can block removal of the apparatus 336. Without the ability to accessthe interior of the channel 432 in such cases, the apparatus 336 mightotherwise need to be removed for various reasons, such as to change orservice electrical outlets 428 or wiring connections within theapparatus 336, to remove wiring in the apparatus 336, or to run newwiring in the apparatus 336.

Although two-piece channels and channels having one or more removableportions provide a number of advantages to users and installers, it willbe appreciated that channels 432 defined by other numbers of pieces(e.g., three and four-piece channels 432) can provide similaradvantages. For example, the channel 432 can have three sections, two ofwhich are removable to gain access to different sides or differentlengths of the channel 432. As another example, a channel 432 can beconstructed of several housing elements, any one or more of which can beremoved for access to any portion of the channel 432 desired.

As described above, the channels 432 in the illustrated preferredembodiments have front and rear portions 433, 435 that are preferablyreleasably connected together. In other embodiments, any of the channels432 can be constructed of different types and combinations of elementswhich can easily be removed to gain access to the interior of channel432 or otherwise achieve the same advantages as described above withrespect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. For example, thechannels 432 can be defined by side-by-side channel halves connectedtogether, two or more channel lengths connected in an end-to-endfashion, upper and/or lower removable channel portions, and the like.

The channels 432 in the illustrated preferred embodiment each preferablyhave a front portion 433 removably connected to a rear portion 435 forpurposes described earlier. It should be noted that at least some of theadvantages offered by a removable channel portion as described above arealso available for channel portions that are not removable. For example,the front portion 433 of the channel 432 can be pivotably connected tothe rear portion 435 to enable a user to open the channel 432 and toaccess the interior of the channel 432. As another example, the frontportion 433 can be slidably connected to the rear portion 435 for thesame purpose of gaining access to the channel's interior. Still othermanners of opening and closing these and different portions of thechannel 432 are possible, and depend at least partially upon the shapeof the channel 432, its component parts, and the orientation andarrangement of the channel components with respect to one another. Suchother manners of opening and closing the channel 432 by moving one ormore of its component parts to readily access the channel's interiorfall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 8. This embodiment shares many of the same elements, structure,and features as that described above with regard to the embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. Accordingly, elements,structure and features of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8corresponding to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7 are numberedin the 600-800 series while retaining the same last two digits. Exceptas expressly described in the following description, reference is herebymade to the earlier description of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7 forinformation regarding such corresponding elements, structure, andfeatures in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

Like the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 4-7,the embodiment of FIG. 8 has a multiple-piece rail providing the same orsimilar advantages and features described above. The rear portion 735 ofeach rail 732 is preferably similar to the rail 132 in the preferredembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and can be connected to the supportframe 628 of the modular shelving unit 620 in any of the mannersdescribed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Also, theoutlet housing 724 of the outlet assembly 636 is preferably at leastpartially received within the front portion 733 of the rail 732. Forexample, the outlet housing 724 in the illustrated preferred embodimentof FIG. 8 is located between the flanges in the front portion 733 of therail 732. Although this relationship between the rail 732 and the outlethousing 724 can result in wider tail designs in some cases, an outlethousing 724 located or otherwise at least partially received within therail 732 can provide a more direct path for electric lines 736 to andinto the outlet housing 724 from the rail 732. For example, the electriclines 736 can pass into a side of the outlet housing 724 rather thaninto a rear of the outlet housing 724 (as is the case in the illustratedpreferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-3). Also, an outlet housing 724 at leastpartially received within the rail 732 can provide a more desirableappearance for the outlet assembly 636. In those embodiments of thepresent invention in which the outlet housing 724 is at least partiallyreceived within the rail 732, the rail 732 can have one or moreapertures or recesses 752 providing access to the electrical outlets728.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures arepresented by way of example only and not intended as a limitation uponthe concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it willbe appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that variouschanges in the elements and their configuration and arrangement arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

For example, the outlet assembly 36, 436 of the present invention isdescribed above for use with electrical and telecommunications lines. Inthis regard, some embodiments of the present invention permit the outletassembly 36, 436 to be quickly disconnected from the support frame 28,328 as desired. This enables the installer or user to easily positionthe outlets 128, 428 in different desired locations on the support frame28, 328, and with respect to the modular shelving unit 20, or otherfurniture, wall, or partition system of which the support fame 28, 328is a part. Although the present invention is described above for usewith electrical and telecommunications lines, the present invention canbe employed with other types of lines and outlets to provide the same orsimilar advantages. By way of example only, the outlet assembly 36, 436of the present invention can be employed to receive and/or positionpneumatic or hydraulic pipes, conduits, tubes or any other type of linecarrying any type or mixture of gas and fluid. In such cases, theoutlets 128, 428 can take a number of different forms, such as quickdisconnect fittings, threaded connectors, nipples, press fittings, andany other fluid or gas line connector or fitting desired. Still otherapplications of the outlet assembly 36, 436 of the present invention arepossible to provide the same or similar advantages as described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for cooperating with a modularconstruction system forming a plurality of different predeterminedmounting positions to repositionably support an electrical line suitablefor transmitting at least one of telecommunications data and electricalpower, the apparatus comprising: an elongated channel sized forreceiving the electrical line; an outlet box mounted on the channel, theinterior of the outlet box communicating with the interior of thechannel, the electrical line extending into the interior of the outletbox; an electrical outlet mounted to the outlet box, the electrical lineconnected to the electrical outlet via an electrical connection locatedwithin the interior of the outlet box; and means for removably attachingthe apparatus to the modular construction system in the plurality ofdifferent predetermined mounting positions to repositionably support theelectrical line, the apparatus removably attachable to the modularconstruction system in the different predetermined mounting positionsindependent of any other fixture, wherein the plurality of differentpredetermined mounting positions includes a plurality of differentvertical and lateral mounting positions on the modular constructionsystem.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality ofmounting positions is laterally displaced with respect to another of theplurality of mounting positions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein oneof the plurality of mounting positions is inverted with respect toanother of the plurality of mounting positions.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 in which the modular construction system also includes a base;and a support frame that forms the plurality of mounting positions andis connected to the base.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which theelectrical line has two ends, one of the ends being in electricalcontact with the electrical outlet, and the electrical line extends fromthe electrical outlet to at least the base.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1in which the electrical line is retained substantially within theinterior of the channel by a removable cover.
 7. The apparatus of claim1 in which the modular construction also includes a base; and a supportframe that forms a the plurality of mounting positions and is connectedto the base, the support frame including a plurality of elongated,vertically oriented uprights and elongated, horizontally oriented upperand lower stretchers, at least two of the stretchers cooperating to formthe plurality of mounting positions.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 whichis removably attachable to the uprights in essentially the same plane asthe stretchers or removably attachable to the stretchers in essentiallythe same plane as the uprights, so that modular shelves or otherelements of the modular construction system are mountable on the supportframe without being obstructed by the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1 in which the electrical outlet is substantially within theinterior of the outlet box.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 in which theoutlet box is substantially outside the interior of the channel.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1 in which the outlet box is repositionably mountedon the channel.
 12. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the means forremovably attaching the apparatus to the modular construction systemincludes a thumbscrew for fixing the apparatus to the support frame. 13.A modular conduit for use with a modular construction system forming aplurality of different predetermined mounting locations torepositionably support an electrical line suitable for transmitting atleast one of telecommunications data and electrical power, the modularconduit comprising: an elongated channel that has an open portion forproviding access to the interior of the channel, and is sized forreceiving the electrical line; a cover that fits over at least a part ofthe open portion for restricting access to the interior of the channel;an outlet box mounted on the channel, the interior of the outlet boxcommunicating with the interior of the channel, the electrical lineextending into the interior of the outlet box; an electrical outletmounted to the outlet box, the electrical line connected to theelectrical outlet via an electrical connection located within theinterior of the outlet box; and means for removably attaching themodular conduit in the plurality of different predetermined mountinglocations so that the modular conduit and the modular constructionsystem cooperatively and repositionably support the electrical line,wherein the modular conduit is removably attachable to the modularconstruction system in the plurality of different predetermined mountinglocations independent of any other fixture, the plurality of differentpredetermined mounting locations including a plurality of differentvertical and lateral mounting locations on the modular constructionsystem.
 14. The modular conduit of claim 13 which also includes a clipfor retaining the electrical line substantially within the channel. 15.The modular conduit of claim 13 in which the modular construction systemalso includes a base; and a support frame which forms a the plurality ofmounting positions and is connected to the base.
 16. The modular conduitof claim 13 in which the modular construction system also includes abase; and a support frame that forms a the plurality of mountingpositions and is connected to the base, the support frame including aplurality of elongated, vertically oriented uprights and elongated,horizontally oriented upper and lower stretchers, at least two of thestretchers cooperating to form a the plurality of mounting positions.17. The apparatus of claim 13 in which the electrical outlet issubstantially within the interior of the outlet box.
 18. The apparatusof claim 13 in which the outlet box is substantially outside theinterior of the channel.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13 in which thecover is removable.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13 in which the cover ispivotably attached.
 21. A work station including a repositionable poweroutlet and/or data connection port, which work station comprises: abase; a support frame that forms a plurality of different predeterminedmounting positions and is connected to the base; and a modular conduitrepositionably attachable to the support frame in the plurality ofdifferent predetermined mounting positions independent of any otherfixture, the modular conduit vertically and horizontally repositionableto the different predetermined mounting positions on the support frameand including a channel sized to receive an electrical line suitable fortransmitting at least one of telecommunications data and electricalpower, an outlet box mounted on the channel with the electrical lineextending into an interior of the outlet box, and an electrical outletmounted to the outlet box, the electrical line connected to theelectrical outlet via an electrical connection located at leastpartially within the interior of the outlet box.
 22. The work station ofclaim 21 which also includes a cover for restricting access to aninterior of the channel.
 23. The work station of claim 21 which alsoincludes a clip for retaining the electrical line substantially withinan interior of the channel.
 24. The work station of claim 21 in whichthe base includes a base plate attached to the support frame.
 25. Thework station of claim 21 which also includes a filler panel attached tothe support frame.
 26. The work station of claim 21 which also includesat least one shelf connected to the support frame.
 27. A method forrepositionably supporting an electrical line in a modular constructionsystem forming a plurality of different predetermined vertical andhorizontal mounting locations, the method comprising: providing amodular construction system forming the plurality of differentpredetermined vertical and horizontal mounting locations; selecting amounting location from the plurality of different predetermined verticaland horizontal mounting locations; removably attaching an elongatedchannel to the modular construction system at the selected mountinglocation independent of any other fixture, the channel having asubstantially open side for providing access to an interior of thechannel and an outlet box mounted on the channel, the interior of theoutlet box communicating with the interior of the channel; positioningwithin the interior of the channel the electrical line suitable fortransmitting at least one of telecommunication data and electricalpower; and installing an electrical outlet in the outlet box, theelectrical outlet electrically connected to the electrical line via anelectrical connection located at least partially within the interior ofthe outlet box.
 28. An outlet positioning apparatus for use with anelectrical line suitable for transmitting at least one oftelecommunications data and electrical power, the outlet positioningapparatus adapted for releasably mounting to a modular constructionsystem the outlet positioning apparatus comprising: a conduit definingan internal cavity; at least one fastener shaped to releasably mount theapparatus to the modular construction system in any of a plurality ofdifferent predetermined horizontal and vertical positions on the modularconstruction system independent of any other fixture, the conduit havinga location adjustable with respect to the modular construction systemvia the plurality of different predetermined horizontal and verticalpositions on the modular construction system; an outlet box mounted tothe conduit; and an electrical outlet mounted to the outlet box; whereinthe outlet box is positioned with respect to the conduit to enclose atleast one connection between the electrical line and the electricaloutlet within the interior of the outlet box.
 29. The apparatus of claim28, wherein the outlet box is mounted to the conduit at an end of theconduit.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the electrical outlet ismounted within the interior of the outlet box.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the electrical outlet is one of a plurality ofelectrical outlets mounted to the outlet box.
 32. The apparatus of claim31, wherein the plurality of electrical outlets is mounted within theinterior outlet box.
 33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the conduithas a generally U-shaped cross-section defining the internal cavity. 34.The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the conduit includes first and secondportions releasably connected to one another to form the internalcavity.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first and secondportions each have a generally U-shaped cross-section.
 36. The apparatusof claim 34, wherein the outlet box is mounted to one of the first andsecond portions.
 37. An apparatus for cooperating with a modularconstruction system forming a plurality of different predeterminedmounting positions on the modular construction system to repositionablysupport shelves and at least one electrical line suitable fortransmitting at least one of telecommunications data and electricalpower, the apparatus comprising: an elongated channel sized forreceiving the electrical line in an interior of the elongated channel;an outlet box mounted on the elongated channel and adapted to receivethe electrical line extending through at least a portion of theelongated channel; wherein the elongated channel and the shelves areadapted to be removably mounted to the modular construction system inthe plurality of different predetermined mounting positions on themodular construction system independently with respect to one another,the plurality of different predetermined mounting positions enabling theelongated channel to be mounted in different positions on the modularconstruction system independent of any other fixture, the elongatedchannel mountable on the modular construction system in both horizontaland vertical mounting orientations.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37 inwhich the electrical line is retained substantially within the interiorof the channel by a removable cover.
 39. The apparatus of claim 37 inwhich the outlet box is substantially within the interior of thechannel.
 40. The apparatus of claim 37 in which the outlet box issubstantially outside the interior of the channel.
 41. The apparatus ofclaim 37 in which the outlet box is repositionably mounted on thechannel.